Adoption Counselor. Volunteer Trainee. Kitten Socializer. These are just some of the roles our January volunteer of the month, Kathrine L., plays at Cat Town.
Since her start in 2016, Kathrine's done so much for our organization. I recently caught up with her to get some insight into volunteering, and how her service adds to her life.
Kathrine shares her reason for joining Cat Town in a recent volunteer spotlight.
Larissa C: How many cats do you have at home?
Kathrine L: Right now, I don’t have any cats. I started volunteering at Cat Town after losing the second of two cats. I wasn’t ready to adopt another cat, but missed being around them.
LC: Have you been a cat person your whole life?
KL: Yes! I’ve always been drawn to animals. Some of my favorite childhood memories are playing with stray kittens in my uncle’s backyard.
Kathrine is one of the volunteers who helped Buzz find his footing outside the shelter.
LC: How did you get involved with Cat Town?
KL: I was deeply missing my own cats. I visited Cat Town, thinking I might want to volunteer there. It was such a healing experience for me that I couldn’t wait to get involved.
LC: What is/have been your role(s) at Cat Town?
KL: I started out as a Cat Zone volunteer. Soon after that, I began helping out in the Studios, where I’ve been trained as a lead and to work with the Forgotten Kitten Project. Now, I’m also an adoption counselor, and recently began helping to train other volunteers to help in the Studios.
LC: What inspired you to start working with Cat Town and our under socialized cats?
KL: I was intrigued by the idea of being able to help cats who are being given a second chance to find safe, loving homes.
LC: What is your favorite thing about working with vulnerable shelter cats?
KL: I love seeing the transformation that each cat makes, whether it happens within a few weeks, or takes many months. I love seeing the cats let go of fear and open up to love.
LC: What is something you’ve learned about under socialized cats during your time at Cat Town that you think people wouldn’t expect to be true?
KL: Some people might be surprised to learn that a cat who might have been labeled as “feral” or who lived on the streets can actually be happy becoming an indoor cat.
A photo of Huck that Kathrine captured during one of her Cat Zone volunteer shifts.
LC: What is your favorite part about being a Cat Town volunteer?
KL: Celebrating each success, big and small, on each cat’s journey.
LC: What would you say to someone interested in volunteering with Cat Town?
KL: I would tell them that volunteering at Cat Town changed my life, and it feels wonderful to be a part of an extensive, supportive team that is working towards such a worthy goal.
Interested in joining the Cat Town team? Visit cattownoakland.org/volunteer to explore opportunities or email info@cattownoakland.org.
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